Fall Overboard Risk Factors

Fall Overboard Risk Factors

Falls overboard are the most common cause of crew fatalities on the inland river system. Specific operations have risk factors associated with them. This handout highlights several operations and the fall overboard risks that can be considered before undertaking the operation.

Remember! Job briefings play a vital role in reducing and hopefully eliminating incidents. Take time for a “safety huddle” before undertaking any of the following operations:

Making tow

·  Carrying equipment

·  Working with one’s back to the water

·  Working around duck ponds and notches

·  Anticipating “bumps” and bump hazards

·  Squaring up tows

·  Working in darkness

Walking on gunwales

·  Slip/trip/fall hazards:

o  Cargo spillage

o  Rigging & deck fittings

o  Manholes/hatches

o  Uneven surfaces

·  Checking drafts

·  Checking sounders

Locking operations

·  Securing the barge on the mule or pin

·  Catching lines on outside gunwales

Line handling

·  Securing the boat

·  Securing barges

·  Avoiding stepping in a bight

Boarding/docking

·  Securing lines

·  Transiting to and from vessels

Yawl/skiff operations

·  Embarking/disembarking

·  Load balance

·  Engine failure

Barge pumping

·  Tank barge deck hazards

·  Securing hoses

·  Transporting pumps

En route temporary repairs

·  Using a ladder

Weather conditions

·  Ice

·  Rain

·  Snow

·  Frost

·  Dew

Will you be needing this?

There are many “best practices” in preventing falls overboard. Several of them are listed on the back.

Fall Overboard Prevention Best Practices

There are many policies and practices that can help reduce the risk of falls overboard. The following is a list of some basics.

Communication

·  Conduct job briefings or “safety huddles” to prepare for the task beforehand.

·  Report hazards when they become known and at watch changes.

·  Notify the wheelhouse any time someone goes out on the tow.

·  Use the “buddy system” while on a tow.

·  Maintain frequent radio contact with the wheelhouse.

Proper Protective Equipment

·  Ensure that PFDs fit snugly and are properly secured.

·  Ensure that footwear is in good shape.

·  Wear a billed cap to shield vision from bright searchlights.

·  Check the batteries in radios and flashlights.

·  Maintain safety equipment in serviceable condition.

Equipment

·  Maintain awareness of uneven walking surfaces and tripping hazards.

·  Paint tripping hazards with a contrasting color.

·  Use non-skid deck paint on walking surfaces when possible.

Training

·  Conduct periodic man overboard drills.

·  Conduct regular audits and safety meetings.

Working safely means being aware of hazards and actively working to reduce them. Your loved ones are counting on you!

The Fall Overboard Prevention Subcommittee of the Interregion Safety Committee distributed a compilation of “Fall Overboard Prevention Best Practices” in March 2001. It is available on the American Waterways Operators’ Web site, www.americanwaterways.com, under the heading “Commitment to Safety.”

September 2003